Family

Our son Azamat Tazhayakov

My wife Tursynay and I got acquainted in 1992 in the city of Alma-Ata (Kazakhstan), on a skating rink of “Medeo” in the mountains of Zailiysky Ala Tau. In 1993 we celebrated a wedding and on November 12, 1993 our first son Azamat was born. Then his brothers Abylaykhan (1996), Almerek (2004) and the little sister Almira (2012) were born. By the Kazakh tradition the surname of the first-born is formed on behalf of the grandfather, on the fatherly line. Therefore Azamat carries a surname Tazhayakov, while his brothers and the sister – Ismagulova.

Since his childhood, Azamat has been a very kind and respectful boy, he wouldn’t hurt a fly. He was fond of football that is called “soccer” in the U.S., and trained a lot, willingly and tirelessly. During the 11 years of studying in the high school, he managed to participate in all regional and republican championships of his age group that positively affected his impressive progress in studies.

It may sound surprising, but since his childhood our eldest son fed inexplicable love to America. So probably due to this fact, after 7 years of high school, he decided to continue education at the International elite school “Miras” in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, to improve his English. In Astana he lived by himself, on campus. Starting from the 9th grade, he studied all school subjects in English. After graduating from “Miras” he insisted that we would send him to study in the USA. He prepared all the paperwork and documents by himself and sent them to University of Massachusetts (UMASS) in Boston.

UMASS staff came to Kazakhstan and took the exams that he excellently passed. Therefore he was admitted to the University although all other students from Kazakhstan are usually sent to English training courses for 1 year before admission. At the University Azamat studied with pleasure, continuing to play football. He had a reputation of the best player in the University squad.

If we only knew how the American educational “Odyssey” would end for our son!..

When we found out that Azamat had been arrested and charged with obstruction of justice, our entire big family was deeply shocked. First of all, we adhere to the traditional Islam preaching humanity and equality between people. Secondly, together with my wife we persistently seek to raise our children to be honest, kind and educated, respectful to seniors and to all people around, esteeming laws and traditions of Kazakhstan and the countries where they live and study. We are sure that we succeeded, and we can be proud of our kids right now. Thus our eldest son Azamat has always been an example for his brothers and all of his friends, both in Kazakhstan, and in America.

Together with my wife we never believed, nor we currently believe, nor we will ever believe that our son Azamat Tazhayakov is capable to cover up a crime. An awful tragedy which occurred on April 15, 2013 during the Boston marathon, shocked the whole world. Our entire family including Azamat considers this to be a horrible and brutal crime.

When Azamat found himself in a trouble I shelved all my affairs to come to USA and support my son. I will remain here till the end of court proceedings, till the moment Azamat will be set free.

Azamat and me talked about what happened many times. I have to tell you that a rare son of a Kazakh will lie to his father, and our Azamat is not one of those for sure, as he was raised in the Kazakh tradition. That’s why I trust each and every word of my son. That’s why we feel safe for his future that is now in the hands of American justice. Although it is obviously a pity that a 19 year old boy had to learn American prison that he has been in for the last 8 months.

We do not lose hope that the prosecution or at least American court that, not without a reason, is considered to be the most fair in the world, will make the right decision concerning our son Azamat Tazhayakov.

Discussion

2 Responses to “Our son Azamat Tazhayakov”

Thank you for sharing this personal story about your son. He sounds like a wonderful young man who certainly does not deserve to be in prison. Sending thoughts and prayers to him and your entire family and may he be free soon!

You have raised a very loving and special family and for that I congratulate you, but I can also sympathize with your shock to know that your son has been wrongly associated with the events of April 15, 2013. I was born and raised in America believing that this great nation would provide all with the opportunity to fulfill many dreams and the freedom to accomplish them. I still have hope and I pray for your son to get the justice that he deserves. May God bless Azamat and your family.